Luxembourg is relatively neglected by travellers but this small country (no more than 85 km long) has much to offer.

With its stunning valley location and Unesco-listed centre, the capital – Luxembourg City – is one of the most beautiful in Europe.

It’s great for a weekend escape in the summer, since room rates are actually at their lowest at this time (one of the quirks of the city usually being dominated by financiers and Eurocrats who return to their respective countries on weekends and in July and August).

And with the money saved on accommodation, you may be able to splash out on the city’s gaggle of Michelin-starred restaurants.

Outside of Luxembourg City, the craggy, forested hills and myriads streams which make up Luxembourg’s two large natural parks (the Upper Sûre on the north-west Belgium border and the Our on the north-east German border with Germany) are a spectacular setting for hikers, mountain-bikers and canoeists – not least because of the handsome chateaux that punctuate the landscape.

Of particular beauty is Müllerthal – the region known as little Switzerland – and its walled gateway town, Echternach.

Wanderlust recommends

Head to the Chemin de la Corniche for the best views of the capital’s bastions.

Cycle along the pretty Sûre river to Diekirch, where you can treat yourself to a well-earned beer from the local brewery.

Ride a century-old steam train at Fond-de-Gras

Wander Vianden’s cobbled streets and let you imagine run wild as you admire the medieval castle that inspired Victor Hugo.

Unwind in the wineries of the Moselle Valley

Wanderlust tips

Unlike neighbouring Belgium where linguistic tensions are fraught, native-born Luxembourgers are brought up to be trilingual. As well as speaking French, German and Luxembourgish, many speak excellent English.

But you’ll make a Luxembourg shopkeeper or waiter’s day if you sprinkle your conversation with a few choice words of Luxembourgish such as “merci, äddi” (thank you, good bye) and wanneg gelift (please).

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